Energy renovations and radon a tighter house keeps more of the gas
Radon enters from the soil. It leaves through air leaks and ventilation. A renovation that weatherstrips the doors, changes the windows and insulates the basement reduces those exits. The same soil can then produce a higher level than before the work. The caulk does not “create” radon. The house keeps it.
Health Canada asks for a test of at least three months after important changes, during the heating season. An air exchanger added for air quality sometimes dilutes radon. It does not pull it from under the slab. Air exchanger. Heat pump.
What to do next: retest after renovations.
Reference points: Health Canada, what you need to know about radon and the 200 Bq/m³ guideline. The two-year timeline between 200 and 600, and one year above 600, comes from Health Canada’s guide for radon measurements in homes.
The 4-day test gives a first reading. The 91-day test covers the three-month minimum Health Canada asks for. Both are $59 before tax: shipping, return and the laboratory are included, taxes extra. The PDF report is sent within 2 business days after the laboratory receives the detector.
Above 200 Bq/m³, mitigation is confirmed with a quote. Gaz Radon is C-NRPP certified for measurement and mitigation.
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